Voicemail (September 20, 2007)

I read with interest [Tony Murchison’s] commentary in the Aug. 23, 2007, edition of Knoxville Voice, which criticized MEDIC, the National Marrow Donor Program and the American Red Cross for our policies with respect to donor-screening.

While your comments were accurate with respect to our policies, please allow me to explain why such policies are in place. First and foremost, those policies are mandated to us by the Food and Drug Administration, which is the Federal Agency that regulates blood centers. We comply with these policies because to do otherwise would mean that we would be in violation of federal regulations and subject to fines and penalties. You may read an explanation of these regulations by visiting MEDIC, like the majority of blood centers across the United States (including the Red Cross), belongs to a professional organization by the name of the American Association of Blood Banks. We have, collectively through AABB, voiced our concern regarding these donor-screening regulations and have asked the FDA to reconsider its stance on certain issues. Many of the arguments you posed in your commentary have been, and continue to be, voiced to the FDA. Nevertheless, the FDA, as recent as May of this year, has re-affirmed their position.

I can assure you that MEDIC has not imposed these policies to be discriminatory toward any specific groups of potential donors. However, as long as the FDA mandates these requirements, we have no choice but to adhere to them.

I would like to congratulate Knoxville Voice for filling the void left by the Metro Pulse.

It seems the content of the once-king of Knoxville alternatives has embarked upon a steady downhill slide. This evidenced by the repeated pleas for contributions, of any form.

It looks good on you. Keep up the good work.